Celebrating a True Community Achievement

Happy 10th Birthday to the Whiskeag Trail!

On September 18th, 2010, a crowd of citizens united to celebrate the opening of the Whiskeag Trail. This true community achievement was thanks to the efforts from the City of Bath, local schools, non-profits, individual hikers and bicycle riders, and private businesses. By connecting our communities we grow closer connections with each other and the place we call home. 

The Whiskeag Trail explores pockets of lovely wooded areas while connecting destinations throughout Bath like the YMCA, McMann playing fields, Bath Middle School, Oak Grove Cemetery, and the conservation land at Sewall Woods and Thorne Head Preserves.

The Trail takes its name from an Abenaki word, meaning “a creek that runs nearly dry at low tides.” Whiskeag Creek runs north from Lilly Pond between High Street and State Road into the Kennebec River at Thorne Head. The fresh water from Whiskeag Creek then mixes with the brackish water of the Kennebec Estuary.

The wetlands and surrounding land around waterways perform critical environmental functions, such as absorbing floodwater, reducing erosion, filtering polluntants, and recharging drinking water. Wetlands also provide habitat for many species of Maine’s water birds. Whiskeag Creek contains highly valuable tidal habitat for wading birds and water fowl such as blue-winged teal, Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, and Egret. Other animals that live along the trail include beaver, wild turkey, and coyote.

Bath Trails is a partnership of the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust, City of Bath, local schools, non-profits, individual hikers and bikers, and private businesses. The mission is set on the creation, connection, and maintenance of a network of multi-use trails for recreation, transportation, and a healthier community.

Join KELT and its partners to celebrate this ten year milestone by taking a walk on the Whiskeag, following Leave No Trace, and recreating responsibly.